AMCA project a major boost to Rayalaseema’s industrial growth, says IT Minister Lokesh

Minister for IT Nara Lokesh on Friday described the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) project in Puttaparthi as a transformative initiative that would turn Rayalaseema into a major defence and aerospace hub, capable of generating massive employment and creating industrial growth avenues.

Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the AMCA project here, Mr. Lokesh briefly addressed the gathering in Hindi, drawing cheers from the audience.

Recalling the vision of Sri Sathya Sai Baba, he said many people had questioned the need for an airport in Puttaparthi when the former had proposed it, but the region was now emerging as a major defence and aerospace hub. Mr. Lokesh said the NDA government drew inspiration from Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision in bringing advanced defence projects to Puttaparthi.

Referring to Operation Sindoor, he said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had demonstrated the strength of India’s armed forces to the country’s enemies. “Every Indian is proud of the leadership at the Centre,” Mr. Lokesh said, calling Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh the country’s “Iron Man.”

He said the AMCA project was brought to Puttaparthi as a “return gift” to the people of the undivided Anantapur district for supporting the NDA both at the Centre and in the State.

“The NDA regime is successful in bringing strategic defence investments to a drought-prone region that has long struggled with migration and lack of opportunities,” the Minister said.

Crediting Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for bringing the Kia project to the region, Mr. Lokesh said that the “same vision has now attracted fifth-generation fighter aircraft integration and advanced flight-testing facilities to Puttaparthi.”

“In fact, discussion on the AMCA project had taken place during my meeting with Mr. Rajnath Singh in New Delhi in December 2025. The State government moved swiftly to secure approvals in a record time,” he said.

Dig at YSRCP

Targeting the earlier YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) regime, Mr. Lokesh said, “Their background is factionism, ours is fighter jets. Their background is criminality, ours is Kia.”